A man described as “cruel” and “calculating” has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for attempting to murder his estranged wife by intentionally driving his car into her and then attacking her with a baseball bat. Laurence Worville, 51, was convicted of attempted murder following a trial at Hull Crown Court. The violent incident took place in Hull on May 7 last year, resulting in the victim being hospitalized for 10 days with severe injuries including a broken leg, head wound, and a fractured finger.
Worville, who had recently been released from prison, located his wife by obtaining her new address through mail redirection details he acquired by trespassing into his former workplace at Royal Mail. The court heard that Worville had a history of violence towards the victim, having served time previously for assaulting her.
Judge John Thackray KC condemned Worville’s actions, stating that the CCTV footage of the attack was “truly horrifying.” The footage captured Worville deliberately driving at the victim, striking her with his car, and then repeatedly hitting her with the baseball bat. Fortunately, bystanders intervened to stop the assault, preventing further harm to the victim.
During sentencing, Judge Thackray highlighted Worville’s premeditated intent to kill his wife, emphasizing that he had actively sought her out with the purpose of causing harm. The judge commended the bravery of those who intervened and aided the victim, promising commendations from the chief constable for their heroic actions.
The victim, in her impact statement, expressed ongoing fear and anxiety as a result of the attack, detailing the physical and emotional toll it has taken on her. Worville’s defense cited mental health issues as a contributing factor, but the court found him guilty of breaching a restraining order and perpetrating a vicious attack on his wife.
Detective Inspector Helen Collier described Worville as a dangerous individual who orchestrated a premeditated assault on the victim, causing her significant physical and psychological trauma. She praised the public for their intervention and support, emphasizing the severity of Worville’s actions and the lasting impact on the victim’s life.